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curlysgirl0202 · 9 months

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SHORT STORY:

Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo:

How They React When the Cowboys Get Rowdy Around You...(in progress)

CURLY BILL:

Cowboys get rowdy and that's no surprise. After a long cattle drive, all they want to do is hit the cow towns and raise some hell. The Red Sash Cowboys were a different breed...They drove stolen cattle and robbed stage coaches. They didn't hit the railroads or banks like the James Younger Gang as their best talents were stealing cows. Curly Bill and his group of thugs encountered all sorts of dangers; vengeful Apaches or Comanches, rattlers, grizzlies and the law if they were being pursued. Rustling was dangerous work and they did it well. When they weren't stealing, they were spending their ill gotten gains on booze, calico queens, gambling and other common indulgences. These men all came from fractured families and found a brotherhood among each other. It was for that reason they remained so loyal to one another and when someone comes down on one of them, they come down on all of them. That's the cowboy way. They don't ride for the brand like traditional cowboys do.

A cattle drive could take weeks to complete and along that drive Curly and his boys suffered from insect swarms, dust, dust and more dust all without bathing or changing their underwear or washing their nether regions or under their arms. Cowboying is a dirty, dirty job. The chuck wasn't great either and Curly's gang didn't have a bean master on their drives so they prepared their own meals which was anything from small fish from whatever water sources were available, rabbit, beans, biscuits, bacon, dried fruits and maybe some canned tomatoes.

But the worst part of the job wasn't the vengeful injuns or deadly grizzly bears, it was the mind numbing loneliness these men suffered. On the range, women were as scarce as clean water sources. And if they happened across a shack occupied by a family of squatters, the women were not much to look at and didn't have a kind or gentle demeanor. How could they in an environment like this? Survival was a way of life. These pioneers and travelers were hoping if they could build something in the land, that they could make a better life for themselves. And since the railroads didn't come through some of these areas, the settler's could remain without the threat of having their land suddenly uprooted by vicious railroad barons. The settlers were not the friendliest, but did offer some food for the cowboys such as flour, rice or arbuckles. Curly Bill and his gang were thankful for such stops along the way since there weren't very many. And the rustler gang always expected a lovely woman to prepare a basket of fresh fruits and breads, but they were met with a woman who's faces were puffed out like biscuits, tattered clothing, hair that was so dried up, they kept it up all the time and of course in those harsh conditions, these women usually didn't have much in the way of a sense of humor. Even so, a drive was so lonely, Curly and the others would share a bed with them just to alleviate their desperate loneliness.

The cow towns offered soiled doves at a price and since men like Ringo and Curly had no other offers, they used the services these fallen angels provided. Sometimes Ringo or Curly would pay double, just so they could fall asleep with these ladies of the night and at least get a sense of what having a home would feel like...

Because of this rough and mostly lawless environment, men like The Cowboys were rough and lawless themselves. All they had was each other and they depend on each other for survival, a sense of belonging and inclusion and a brotherhood of tough guys. They would never sell each other out or leave one of their own to defend themselves. Wearing that red sash meant more than you were a part of a gang. That red sash set these men apart from other gangs...It meant that you rode with some of the toughest and most skilled gunfighters. The Cowboys were an elite force founded by one of the meanest men around; Newman Hayes Clanton, father to Ike and Billy Clanton. NH Clanton also known as "Old Man Clanton," was rustling cattle before his 13th birthday. He could rope and shoot better than most and had a questionable disposition. He could piss stronger stuff than most of the boys he went up against and his small cattle rustling empire dominated Arizona. He was a feared man who would slap the toughest men around and no one challenged him. He made his farm his headquarters where some other rustlers gathered to be a part of the operation. When NH Clanton met Curly Bill Brocious, he was immediately impressed by the younger cowboy. Curly, like Old Man Clanton could shoot as well he ropes and had a demeanor that communicated he was not a man to mess with. Curly Bill also had possessed the leadership skills and authority that Clanton was looking for and the older man put Curly Bill in charge of his rustling enterprise. Newman Clanton was impressed by Curly Bill and treated him like a son. There was no other man Old Man Clanton trusted to take over his rustling enterprises.

Although Curly Bill enjoys his title as King of the Cowboys, he also knows it is a title he needs the live up to!

When folks hear that Brocious is planning a visit at a certain town whether to sell or steal cows, they gather up the best stock to offer up to The Cowboys in exchange for protection. And the outlaw is never without gratitude! He owns up to his end of the deal and ensures his allies are always protected.

Curly is a man that always takes care of his own and if anyone upsets one of his own, Curly Bill will come down very hard. The Cowboys have each other and there was no one to speak for them or offer any time of advocacy.

Because these men were so naturally rough and gritty, they certainly didn't know how to behave themselves in the presence of lovely or refined ladies. They usually just made fools of themselves falling over each other trying to get their attention. So it was up to the calico queens to satisfy The Cowboys.

This is the only life Curly Bill ever knew. A peaceful and traditional family wasn't something he ever experienced a d so he valued his red sash gang of fellow outlaws and would ride to the death with them. Other than the rugged boys he rode with, Curly didn't have any other connections. He barely tolerated John Behan, the county sheriff who was an ally to the Cowboys and ensured their deeds of destruction would be swiftly overlooked. Behan also acted as an informant and knew the stage schedules, making it easier for Curly and his boys to get on the trail and rob the stagecoaches. The Cowboys certainly didn't respect Behan and couldn't understand why some of the more decent women in Tombstone seemed so impressed by the dashing officer. When he was engaged to Susan Wells, an actress who came to Tombstone with Josephine Marcus, Behan was more than happy to squander any funds his fiance's father provided.

When you arrive in Tombstone, your only friends are a few farmer's wives, the pastor's wife, a shopkeeper, a local reporter, Fred White and Billy Breckenridge. However, with your beautiful face and lovely smile and warm charm quickly elevate your status and your popularity. It seems everyone likes you and you soon find yourself being bombarded with all sorts of men looking for a chance to impress you. Although you accept a few invitations to dinner, you really are not impressed with any of them. No one tries harder than John Behan, who sees you as Tombstone's most desirable woman and with you by his side, he'll be able to accomplish just about anything. He views a relationship with you as a major step on the ladder of social status and relishes in the idea of being seen with you in public. Although it drives you crazy and you want nothing to do with the ambitious law man, he still believes he can charm you.

Tombstone is a tough town, but offers some alternative activities for those looking for culture. Past Fremont and Allen Street, there's a museum, a small library, two restaurants that feature fine dining, imported wine and freshly made cakes, pies and confectioners. In addition, there is an art gallery, a social club where local businessman can relax drinking Brandy and smoking imported cigars. This up and coming town went from a mining camp to a cultured community where the sophisticated and the down and dirty could find something to interest them.

Curly Bill and his gang didn't go past Allen Street to visit the more elite places. They knew they wouldn't be welcome and would rather spend their winnings on gambling, booze and ladies of the night.

However, one Sunday afternoon while you're talking with Breckenridge, Curly Bill sees you and is immediately impressed, intrigued and very interested. He wonders if you know who he is and if you've heard the news that he is the King of the Cowboys. Curly Bill wants to approach you, but doesn't want to come on to strong to scare you. Instead, he waits patiently for Billy Breckenridge to get up. When the young deputy parts ways with you, Curly Bill seizes the chance to get him to introduce the two of you.

"Well, howdy, deputy," the big rustler begins. "Who was that lovely lady you were just chatting with?"

Billy Breckenridge smiles and looks at the ground. Brocious isn't the first man in Tombstone to ask the agent to introduce them to you.

"Her name is y/n, and she's been here a couple of months. Mostly stays away from Allen and Fremont." Curly nods.

"A lovely lady like that don't belong around here, " the big cowboy answers.

Curly Bill looks at Breckenridge, waiting for him to take him to where you are. Curly Bill follows Billy to the hotel. Curly walks in and sees you sitting in a chair, reading a book.

Just like Ringo, Curly Bill thinks.

"Y/N," Billy asks which causes you to look up. Your smile melts Curly Bill's heart a bit and he can't help but smile.

"Have you met Curly Bill Brocious? He's King of the Cowboys!"

Your smile widens and you close your book and stand before the two men.

You hold your hand out for Curly to shake and he's tempted to kiss it, but dismisses the idea as he desperately wants to ensure your comfort as to not scare you away.

"Well, it sure is a pleasure to meet you, y/n," the cowboy says. You smile and seem shy and Curly will wonder if it's because you're charmed by the Cowboy King.

"I've heard of you," you say softly with your eyes to the ground.

"Just believe the good stuff," Curly Bill says, taking his hat off.

"I heard you were very daring," you respond, your eyes still gazing at the lush carpet in the lobby of the hotel. Curly Bill will flick his tongue and chuckle, without taking his eyes off of you.

"The hotel restaurant is open for lunch," Breckenridge states. "Join me and Curly Bill for a bite?"

Curly Bill suddenly feels a little flushed. He appreciates what the deputy is trying to do, but feels nervous about spending time with you. He may be the leader of some of the most wild men in the territory, but the only things men like Curly feared were trigger happy deputies, vengeful injuns and beautiful women. But he's daring and all of you move towards the dining room.

At first, Curly Bill feels a bit insecure; he can feel the stares of guests and can hear a few whispers, "isn't that Curly Bill Brocious?" He turns to meet their stares and he simply tips his hat and may wink. You are seated at a table for five so there is a little room for all of you. One of the waitresses comes over to give you menus. Curly Bill and Breckenridge already know what they're ordering, but you take your time looking over the menu.

Curly Bill looks around the room. You keep smiling at the big rustler and he can see the other guests beginning to relax and he will appreciate how you can do that for him and he will enjoy feeling that way.

When the waitress returns, you order and after a few moments, your meals arrive. While eating, Curly Bill will start scarfing down his food like he usually does when he's with his cowboys. He looks at Breckenridge who flashes Curly a look that says, "slow down, cowboy." Curly Bill appreciates the advice and slows his eating down. He notices how cute you are when you eat. The old cowboy can't take his eyes off of you and each time your eyes meet, you smile shyly and chuckle like a little girl. You're the last one to finish eating and have only finished half of what you ordered.

"That was yummy!" You say, still feeling intimidated by the rustler.

"Well, are you sure you don't want more?" Curly Bill asks. "What about some pie?"

"Um... sure, I love sweets!" You answer.

Curly Bill and Breckenridge start talking about business matters including talking with Behan about stage schedules. When Behan's name is brought up, you clearly look uncomfortable and Curly Bill will wonder if the sheriff has been flirting with you. He would feel like a fool of you went with Behan.

"Behan still sending you flowers every other day?" Breckenridge asks. You look down and the sweet smile you adored earlier is replaced by a frown and your liquid eyes look sad and annoyed. Curly Bill looks at you and feels somewhat confident about winning you over. If you don't like a man like Behan, maybe you would like a cowboy...

"Yes," you answer still looking at your half eaten dessert.

"Behan's troubling you,"Curly Bill asks, hoping he can make you feel better or at least not annoyed.

You finally speak. "Well, you see when I first arrived, I thought he was nice. And helpful." You shake your head and continue. "I didn't know anyone and he introduced me and then well, I met Billy and Fred-"

"Our town marshall?" Curly asks, surprised.

You smile a little and nod. "You see, I appreciated everything Johnny Behan did to help, but I didn't want to....And he made me feel..." You shake your head again.

"I'm sorry," Curly Bill begins. "Didn't mean to make you upset." Your big eyes look up at the old rustler. Your smile is so innocent and sweet, he just wants to take you into his arms.

"No, you didn't. I just...." Billy and Curly look at each other. Curly Bill feels for you and a lovely lady like yourself shouldn't be bullied by Behan. The dashing sheriff is expecting something in return for his gallantry.

"I asked Wyatt Earp to please talk to him for me and tell Johnny to leave me alone." This makes Curly Bill more angry, but he keeps it in.

"Well, did Wyatt help you?" The cowboy asks. You shake your head and look back down at your pie.

"Only once. But then I found out that Behan is letting the Earps stay in some cottages free of charge and well..." You eyes begin to well up with tears which only makes Curly Bill more angry.

"So, what happened?" Brocious asks. Billy Breckenridge sits there, eyeing Curly. He knows there is tension between the Earps and the Cowboys and the Cowboys aren't crazy about Behan because although he did help the rustlers, he is also a self serving slug.

"Wyatt told me to take care of it myself..." Now Curly Bill is angry as hell. Not only is Behan bullying you, you've got no one to protect you.

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nimaanila · 5 months

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Slow Down, Cowboy (Part 1)

Pairing: Billy the Kid (Tom Blyth) x reader

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: None. This will probably be the first part of a three or four part series. Establishing the pairing. More fluff to come!

Synopsis: Reader is a server/bar keeper at the local saloon. Billy and the guys come for a drink after a long day of horse stealing and cattle rustling. It doesn’t take much for Billy and reader to take an interest in each other.

A/N: So, no surprise I’m on the Tom Blyth train after watching TBOSAS. I needed more so naturally I watched Season 1 of Billy the Kid and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. He is SO FINE in this series!! Kicking my feet and twirling my hair fr. Also a very good series!! Please watch if you love Tom and love a good story. This was born out of disappointment from the lack of writing on Tom’s Billy on this app as well as a craving for more Tom 😅 Enjoy!!

Part 2: Here

Part 1: A Sight for Sore Eyes

The saloon was already hustlin’ and bustlin’ on a Friday evening. The cacophony of chatter, laughter, and glasses clinking, only to be amplified by the 5 or so pairs of cowboy boots you heard stomping into the saloon, accompanied by the incessant ringing of the bell above the entryway door. The scuffed boots belonged to a group of rowdy cowboys coming in for a drink, or three, after a long day of horse thievin’ and cattle rustlin’, no doubt. You eyed up each one of them, noting their greasy hair underneath tattered hats, dirt caked around and under their fingernails, and revolvers strapped to their hips for easy access. You had been around town long enough to know that these guys were up to no good during the day, but that was none of your business. A paying customer was a paying customer, no matter how they got their money.

You carried on serving customers who were already at the bar until you heard the bell above the door ring again, signaling the entrance of another patron. Normally you wouldn’t give that sound a second thought, but something compelled you to glance up in the direction of the noise.

The saloon was small, so there wasn’t much distance between you, working behind the counter, and the door. You were surprised to be met with striking blue eyes underneath curly brown hair and a dark brown top hat. He was tall. Lean. Young. Very handsome. You had not seen him before… at least not in person. Wanted posters with his face and a handsome reward for his capture were plastered all over every county east and west of Lincoln. None other than the infamous Billy the Kid had just stepped through your saloon doors, reputation preceding miles before him.

Despite what you had heard about him, you couldn’t help but let your eyes linger on him as you memorized his appearance. You noticed his eyes sparkle as they met yours. Perhaps it was from the lights hanging overhead, you thought. He stopped as the door slammed to a close behind him. Without breaking eye contact, he removed his hat and held it to his chest, giving you a polite nod and a slight smile, acknowledging your innocent exchange. He then wandered off to find the loud group of men that had entered the saloon moments before him.

So, Billy the Kid was riding around town with these guys. You knew to keep your distance from guys like that in your personal life, but at work, money was money. The group of guys came up to the bar, eyeing you up and down before placing their drink orders. They weren’t original; Whistles and cat calls accompanied by orders for straight vodka or whiskey for the lot. You handed out drinks with a smile, graciously accepting their tips. Then, they were on their way, hootin’ and hollerin’ over to a table in the corner to drink until they got dizzy, celebrating their accomplishments of the day. All that was left behind was Billy.

“How can I help you today, sir?” You asked him, quickly realizing he was a man of few words. He had not made a single comment like his buddies had when they approached the counter.

Billy had put his hat back on shortly after entering the saloon, but he took it off again as soon as you addressed him, making eye contact. A sign of respect.

“Hi there. Whiskey, please.” His slight southern drawl was charming, you had to admit. But it seemed newly acquired. He wasn’t from here originally. You didn’t know much about him aside from the daily town gossip, but something told you he was different. Misunderstood, maybe.

You nodded your head and smiled. “One whiskey, comin’ right up.” You set a glass down in front of him and poured the amber liquid into it. He picked the glass up and drank it down in one gulp. Must have been a hard day, you thought to yourself.

He tapped the rim of the glass with his index finger a couple of times before meeting your gaze again. “Another, please, ma’am,” he asked softly. You obliged and poured him another. This time he decided to sip instead of down it in under three seconds.

“You got it. Holler if you need anythin’ else. Okay, darlin’?” He nodded and dropped his gaze down to the glass in front of him. Perhaps it was the warmth of the alcohol, but you could have sworn you saw a blush creep up on his cheeks. You smiled to yourself once your back was turned.

The night went on as you carried on taking care of the patrons at your bar, drinking themselves to sleep or until their buddies helped them stumble home. You and Billy stole glances and sweet smiles throughout the whole night. Eventually, the saloon cleared out leaving only you and Billy, who had joined his friends at their table shortly after getting his third whiskey from you. As you were wiping down the bar counter and cleaning glasses to start closing up, you watched Billy talk to his group of cowboys. They seemed to be egging him on to do something, but he kept shaking his head and laughing, declining politely. Eventually they got the message, clapping him on the shoulder and exiting the saloon, claiming they would see him back at camp.

You kept your head down as you continued to polish glasses and silverware, ears perking up at the sound of his boots scraping the hardwood floor in your direction. Billy gently set the glass on the counter in front of you with a thud before resting his elbows on it, leaning in your direction. You looked up at him through your lashes. “Not headin’ out with your buddies?”

Billy shook his head, noticing your clean nails and the absence of a wedding ring. “No, ma’am. I don’t partake in their late night activities,” Billy told you in a soft voice. You wondered what activity he was referring to. It could be one of two things: drinking, or women. Since they already had the drinking part taken care of, there was only one other thing it could be. You weren’t sure why, but learning this about him made you feel happy. Relieved, almost.

You placed the glass you were cleaning back on the shelf underneath the bar and threw the rag you were using over your shoulder. With a hand on your hip, you asked, “well, in that case, is there anything else I can get you this evening, cowboy? We are closing right about now.” You waited for him to answer, taking the opportunity to appreciate how well his plaid dress shirt fit him, the top two buttons now open to reveal a new patch of skin you had not seen upon his arrival. You pulled your eyes away when you realized you had been staring a second too long.

“No more drinks for me, ma’am. Thank you, though. There was one other thing I was hoping to get from you, if you don’t mind me asking.” You leaned forward yourself, really meeting his eyes this time. With him leaning across the bar like that, he was the closest he had been all night. The bright blue of his eyes couldn’t even get lost in the dim light of the saloon. You hated how your breath caught in your throat when you realized how close you two actually were.

You cleared your throat and took a second to steady yourself before asking with a playful smile on your lips, “and what might that be?” Billy smiled in return, dropping his eyes to his hands before returning them to you again. “I was hoping I might learn the name of the beautiful woman serving me drinks tonight. So I know who to ask for when I come back tomorrow.” There it was, that smile again, that threatened to leave you speechless. Honestly, you were pleasantly surprised by his manners, especially for a man so young and to be riding around with gunslingers all day. You had heard he was dangerous, but you seemed to have forgotten that. Although you were nervous to be alone with him, you also felt safe. Safe enough to share your name with him.

“Y/N,” you told him with a smile and a nod. “It’s lovely to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise, miss Y/N. My name is William but folks call me Billy. I sure do hope I’ll be seein’ you again real soon.” His voice was smooth, like it was dripping in honey. His charm was effortless and completely disarmed you. Those goddamn cowboys.

“Well, I’m here pretty much 24/7 so, drop in whenever you like. Now I know who to look out for.” You smiled at him again, holding his gaze for a second. He nodded and made his way to the door, stopping to turn around and look at you one last time before exiting the saloon. He tipped his hat to you as he said, “you sure are a sight for sore eyes. You have a good night now,” and was whisked away by the evening breeze.

You stared at the door where he stood just moments before, simultaneously smiling to yourself like an idiot and cursing yourself for being so smitten by a cowboy upon the first interaction. He left you breathless and with only one thought:

In a world of boys he’s a gentleman.

#billy the kid x reader #billy the kid #tom blyth x reader #tom blyth #billy the kid fanfiction #Tom Blyth fluff #fluff #Tom Blyth fanfiction #billy the kid fluff

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